Over the past month I have written to you informing you of our finances at Apostles and opening opportunities for your year-end giving, especially toward our Destined For Joy campaign, and thanks be to God, you are responding generously. I am happy to report that as of today, we, the faithful people of God have given $13,567 toward our Destined For Joy campaign since the appeal went out in mid-November. This is over and above our regular giving and in addition to the $1,830 we raised at our Christmas Craft Sale. Thank you for your faithful generosity!

If you have not made a pledge or gift, your offerings to this campaign are most welcome as they will be funding a “city on a hill” from which the light and joy of Jesus Christ will shine. As I stated in the first of these year-end appeal letters we will be in need of roughly $600,000 in additional funding to complete our audio-visual equipment and installation (~$120,000), completion of our full kitchen to serve those in need as well as for our own use (~$100,000), interior furnishings (~$130,000), and $250,000. in principle reduction for our final closing when construction is complete in 2019. After the success of Phase One of our Destined for Joy Campaign, we believe God is calling us to raise this $600,000 within the next two years to bring all of this to fruition. With the great start we’re experiencing only a month into this, I am confident we will get there and grateful for you who are joining in. As you prayerfully contemplate your year-end giving, please consider blessing Apostles with your generosity.

Most importantly, please join the Vestry, Staff and Beth and me in continuing to pray. While our financial need is real, it will continue to take the Hand of God to propel us forward. I know, as Paul tells us: “He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.” - (1Thes 5:24)

Let us take joy in knowing we serve our Lord who is faithful in all things. Let us remain rooted in Him, connected to Jesus as the branches of His vine, empowered forward by his Holy Spirit. In this upcoming Christmastide, as we experience the joy and peace of Emanuel, God’s greatest gift to each of us, I pray that “the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, that your whole spirit and soul and body will be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” – (1 Thes. 5:23)And that you would take joy in knowing our heavenly Father finds you blameless by what our Savior Jesus has done for us. May all we do give him honor and glory, and be a blessing to the people he loves.